Letters from the Editors

November 2018

Dear Corvallis High,

As the leaves turn orange and red and yellow, as the days get chillier and I turn my defrost in my car on, as the lines at Coffee Culture grow longer in the mornings before school, I realize (as most seniors do) that it’s my last, always my last. Even for those staying in Corvallis after graduation, or those who haven’t spent the last eighteen years of their life in the same town or the same school system, it’s still the last. The last time we have to creep around school all day as the sophomores and juniors take the PSAT. The last time our teachers are goofing around before they suddenly straighten out and we spy Mr. Navarra in the corner of our classroom. But if I keep writing all my letters about my “lasts” I’ll be writing the same letter over and over again until June. So I want to focus on some of the “firsts” I’ve experienced recently:

The first time I went to a state soccer game and the first time we WON (in recent memory).

The first time I voted (after turning 18 a day before the election).

The first time I submitted a college application (and hopefully the last?).

I could go on and on, but the point is, there’s been a lot of lasts happening, but also a lot of firsts (and many, many in-betweens). So, my advice to you all this November is: What are your firsts?

Sincerely, Kari Gottfried, EIC

April 2018

Well, it’s that time of year we all know and love: forecasting. Seniors, stop reading this and focus on college or something, because you’re finally done! But for the rest of us, it’s time to slump down to the auditorium to hear about all of the fun and exciting classes we get to take next year. This time, it might be a little more interesting, because did you hear? We’re getting another period added to our day. That means no more weird release times, but it also means that every day is the longest. day. ever.

Personally, I’m not too sure about forecasting for next year. Right now, I’m in junior-year-AP-mode grind, but I’m pretty certain that around next October, I’ll start hating myself for throwing in that extra AP class when my senioritis-fueled brain would much rather be napping in an off block. Oh, well. At least it will count for college credit.

Are you curious about the classes you might be taking next year? Again, send us an email / DM about any classes you’re curious about. We’ll dig deep and research it for you, and check back with us in May to get the scoop from students and teachers alike.

One thing you can’t go wrong with is the High-O-Scope. Being on the school newspaper means your writing gets better *and* you have more to add to your college apps. Come check us out — it’s never too late to join. We boast a long history of celebrated alumni including the current president of Princeton, the director of the upcoming Incredibles 2 (see the front page!), and maybe one day, YOU! You know the drill. Fridays at lunch in Mr. King’s (227), but let us know ahead of time because sometimes we hide (just kidding. kinda.)

Can you tell I wrote this late at night?

Sincerely,

Kari Gottfried

Editor-in-chief

March 2018

Hi, everyone, it’s Kari again. Surprise! We hid the letter from the editor inside this month’s issue, because I thought that the article that Evelia and I wrote was more important. On that note — as much as the High-O-Scope tries to stay unbiased, what we write is ultimately up to each writer. We give our writers free reign to write about things they think are important — after all, it’s a high school paper. We aren’t trying to make headlines and break news. We’re a place for students to express themselves, gain experience writing and reporting, and hopefully bring new insight to the CHS community. We’re for the students of CHS, but we’re also by the students of CHS. If you think that the paper is being biased, or that we aren’t reporting on something that needs reporting, there’s only one thing you can do: come write for us! We’re always looking for new writers with different opinions and interests. There are so many things that go on in the school, and most of them go unnoticed by the majority of students because there is so much happening at once! The High-O-Scope strives to broaden your view a little bit more every month. Please visit us in Mr. King’s room (227) at lunch on most Fridays, or if you can’t get a hold of us there feel free to contact us at www.chshighoscope.com/about. Even though we’re more than halfway through the year, we’re always accepting new writers and new pieces, so don’t be afraid! Come join the growing High-O-Scope family (plus, you get a shirt!).

Sincerely,

Kari Gottfried

Editor-in-chief

February 2018

February has always been an interesting month for me. In terms of the calendar year, you’ve had the time to get acclimated, you’re a month in, and things are getting busy again after the holidays. For school, you’ve just finished your first semester. This past semester has been different than what I expected. Now that I’m a junior, and taking quite a few AP classes, my older friends warned me about how difficult it would be, especially to be juggling family responsibilities and extra-curriculars. That’s definitely been true. I’ve had to make some decisions, and sacrifices, and decide where to really be spending my time. Narrowing down test dates and college decisions has really began in full throttle, but I still have three semesters to go. All the things my friends told me about being an upperclassman are true to some extent, but it some ways, little has changed. I still surround myself with great friends, I take care of myself and ask for help when I need to, and most of all, I focus on what makes me happy. We, here at the High-O-Scope hope you finished your semester strong; if you didn’t, here’s a chance to start fresh. Have a good February, and we’ll catch up again in March.

Kari Gottfried

Editor-in-chief

December 2017

Wow – I can’t believe that it’s already almost the end of 2017. We’ve had a great year here at the High-O-Scope! Following the trend we started last year, we’ve been committed to our monthly six-page issues. We’ve also gotten lots of community support in the source of ads, which keeps our costs down and allows us to branch out and try new things. Our website, chshighoscope.com, is up and running, and our new website editor Mia Garza will continue to ensure that it is up to date with our latest articles. Of course, we’ll still be printing physical copies, which are always available in the High-O-Scope boxes (in the forum & library). Thanks to copy editor Mary Rogers, they are becoming more and more error-free!

Keep an eye out for our team of editors, reporters, and comic artists — easily sighted wearing our spiffy new shirts; drop by on Fridays in Mr. King’s to see how you can be part of the team! We’re currently on the hunt for some writers interested in local news, reviews (movies, music, TV), and student life.

Our staff is certainly looking forward to winter break (and our holiday party!), but don’t worry – we’ll be back again after the break. If you’re doing something interesting in the next month, contact us to be featured!